ARDEN ON TOUR: Stags in Sussex

On a soggy foggy Wednesday morning I popped up from Hastings to Frant near Tunbridge Wells to give a talk about the Arden Collection and Elizabethan painted interiors.

Our host for this coffee morning was Mary Ensor Interiors.

Mary Ensor Interiors from the outside

The showroom of this respected 30 year old practice exudes style and elegance. Their palette is muted and sophisticated with playful undertones and it was interesting to see which designs from Arden they had chosen to reflect their look.

In the window hangs the medieval style Arden design in pewter, one of the more refined colourways in linen with some versatile golds and indigos to pull out in a scheme.

Arden linen in window display

In another corner of the window our 16^th century Saffron Walden design on linen (in charcoal) demonstrates its modern credentials hung behind a shapely retro piped armchair in pearl grey.

Saffron Walden fabric in window display

 Below is the linen Cinquefoils (in sandstone) set behind beachy neutrals, the glass reflecting the watery feel of this design which we painted in thin, transparent glazes.

Cinquefoils in sandstone

A few more shots of the showroom with Mary Ensor's new owner Lisa (left) and Anya.

Around the Mary Ensor showroom

…then upstairs to give my talk to an audience of 30 enthusiastic customers. But not before coffee and treats supplied by Sussex based cake makers Fabulous Bakes. (A great idea for an indulgent gift by post).

Cakes by Fabulous Bakes

SUBLIME!! but beware becoming dusted in icing sugar after a scoffing frenzy!

Next stop...Stockholm!

Many thanks to Helen Short, Zoffany's area sales rep for Sussex who set up the event, to the Mary Ensor ladies for looking after us and to our audience for being so attentive.

For stockists visit the Zoffany website or call head office on 0844 543 4600.

Alternatively email me at mel@melissawhite.co.uk